Help me Plan my First WDW trip... I think its really happening this time...three's a charm.

[mickEblu]

I don't get the sense that arguing about the relative worth of BLT is helping MickEblu plan his vacation.

Hahah it’s ok, you guys have been very helpful. I’ve contributed to many a thread derailing.

 

[mickEblu]

Couple of things:

1. The Princess Half Marathon weekend is February 23rd to 26th. Crowds will increase by 25K (at least) with all the runners, their families and friends. Both MK & Epcot will be super crowded that weekend. In addition, roads will be closed in the early mornings both Saturday and Sunday. A portion of the Epcot parking lots will be closed off Friday, Saturday and until Sunday early afternoon as the races are staged at Epcot, including the finish lines.
2. Ditto for April 13th - 16th for the Springtime Surprise race weekend.
3. Weather in February, March and April can swing dramatically between cold and 80°. I've frozen my rear off in February, only to roast the same time the following year. I'd plan on it be warmer, rather than cooler in February.
4. With regards to a place to stay, which is more important - your travel party staying together or convenience to a park(s)?

If staying together is most important, you'll be looking at a 2 bedroom DVC villa. They aren't cheap. The only way to make it affordable is to rent DVC points from a company like Dave's. However, to do so will depend on what they've got in their inventory for the time period you decide. Just know that if you rent points, you can't cancel. Another alternative would be the Family Suite at All Star Music. It's much better than Art of Animation - a kitchenette with a full size fridge.

If staying off property is acceptable - someone will be renting a car - I'd suggest Bonnet Creek. It's very close to Disney Springs. 2 bedroom suites with a full kitchen. And cheaper than just about anything on property.

5. With regards to Universal, just know that the 4 year old and 2 year old won't be able to ride many of the attractions. The rides at Uni are more thrill rides. I'd check the height requirements for the rides you're interested in.

The discounts at WDW for your time frames won't come out until Fall, at the earliest.

Thank for the info on the Half Marathon! That’s great to know. I think I’m really starting to settle on early March being the ticket. Anytime after the 26th through the 7th of March.

Convenience and hotel quality are our priorities. I may not even stay at the same hotel as my sister and her family the whole time. She said she wants to do a split stay between Polynesian and AK Lodge and I know for a fact I don’t want to stay at AK Lodge.

Thanks I’m waiting for those deals to book but doing my homework now. Are they really 30% off though or do they raise the prices by 20% and then give you 30% off lol. If I book now I wonder if I could call them back and get the deal on my booked dates or if I would have to cancel and re-book?

 

[mickEblu]

I really feel bad for @mickEblu His thread asking for some help in planning has devolved into some guy who doesn't realize that fact and opinion are two different things, despite numerous other folks pointing out to him that what he calls a FACT repeatedly is his opinion, which is fine for him to have, but might not be everybody else's (or the Disney company's) opinion.

Haha thanks I appreciate it. No worries though. I can wade through and find many of the helpful posts.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm no expert but have been 5 times and latest visit was December 2021

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish? No, we've done 9 days twice. It's really just a matter of what you really want to do. I personally think spending all those days in the parks is overkill though but that's just me. I'd take a day to visit the other resorts, Disney Springs, etc. Gotta take time to rest the body. And if you are doing Uni, take a day for each park.
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general. This is my favorite planning resource https://www.disneytouristblog.com/when-to-visit-disney-world/
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best? while this is for 2022, it's should be a useful guide for 2023 https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-worst-crowds-disney-world/ They rank Feb the 7th best month, March the 8th best month and April the 11 best month (or second worst) due to Easter and Spring Break.
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though. There is still something special about staying onsite IMO, if you truly want to be continually immersed in Disney. Transportation is a big, big bonus still. Otherwise, you will likely be able to stay at a nicer hotel for far less money offsite. We've never done it and while I don't anticipate going back, I'd strongly consider offsite.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group? Sounds like money isn't as much of an issue if you are looking at Deluxe resorts. My two picks (in order of preference) would be Poly and Wilderness Lodge. The latter is stunning but I'm a sucker for a Tiki theme. For a moderate, DTB rates Riverside the best moderate resort on property https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-hotel-reviews/ https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-moderate-resorts-disney-world/ For me personally, I can't stomach spending the money on anything but a value resort given how little time we spent at the hotel. We've done Pop Century 3 times and would do it again. The Skyliner is a game changer and bumps this resort up considerably IMO.
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year? Unfortunately, I can't help you with this one. We've never planned around attractions refurbs...we've also never had one down for refurb during any of our visits.

Thanks for the link to the guide! I'll definitely check that out.

With the kids and it being our first time we're definitely staying onsite this time. The transportation and convenience sound like they are too important to give up.

I wouldn't say money isn't an issue. It's just that we realized for it to make any sense to go to WDW with our young kids AND have it feel like a vacation we have to go for a certain length of time. And if we are going to go for 8-10 days than it should be at hotel that has the atmosphere that will make us feel like we're on a nice vacation. I mean you do the math on a trip like this and realize you could be talking 8-10k. You can pretty much go anywhere in the world for a week for that price. One issue I have with an Orlando trip is that I don't think it will scratch the tropical vacation itch I have. I recently thought about doing WDW for 7-8 days and then adding 3 days in Miami but that sounds kind of crazy with the kids.

I think the Poly was the number one choice before they announced the construction. Now its kind of a tossup between that and Yacht or Beach Club. I just need to get a better sense of how the construction will impact our stay.

Thanks for the response!

 

[mickEblu]

SteveK.....I sent this to OP a handful of pages ago.........This is one of my favorite resources to pick weeks to go

yourfirstvisit.net - Exact Instructions for Your First Disney World Visit

Helping first-time visitors to Disney World make great planning decisions quickly! Recommended dates, budgets, hotels, itineraries and more...all free

yourfirstvisit.net

And Len Testa is BY FAR the best for Touring plans, lines, crowd calendars and everything else

Touring Plans | Disney World | Disneyland | Universal Orlando - Vacation Planning Tools

Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line Crowds, Wait Time Apps, and Touring Plans

touringplans.com

You did thank you! Just opened SteveK's link after reading this post. I have to check out Len Testa's site. I have a feeling it will be more detailed and not just because you have to pay for it haha

 

[PiratesMansion]

One issue I have with an Orlando trip is that I don't think it will scratch the tropical vacation itch I have. I recently thought about doing WDW for 7-8 days and then adding 3 days in Miami but that sounds kind of crazy with the kids.

You could pair WDW with Disney Cruise Line if you so desired.

Certainly not cheap to do so, but if you're not concerned about money and you want to add in some time in the Caribbean you might consider that. They have a fair number of 3-4 day itineraries sailing out of Port Canaveral on a regular basis.

 

[LAKid53]

Thank for the info on the Half Marathon! That’s great to know. I think I’m really starting to settle on early March being the ticket. Anytime after the 26th through the 7th of March.

Convenience and hotel quality are our priorities. I may not even stay at the same hotel as my sister and her family the whole time. She said she wants to do a split stay between Polynesian and AK Lodge and I know for a fact I don’t want to stay at AK Lodge.

Thanks I’m waiting for those deals to book but doing my homework now. Are they really 30% off though or do they raise the prices by 20% and then give you 30% off lol. If I book now I wonder if I could call them back and get the deal on my booked dates or if I would have to cancel and re-book?

Early March should be good. Weather can be all over the place. But hopefully you'll be between the race crowds and Spring breakers.

With regards to the discounts, you can rebook yourself online or call. But you'll have a long wait if you call. You can also use a travel agent - they'll monitor when discounts come out and redo the reservation for you.

 

[mickEblu]

Here are my questions... if you would be so kind

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish?
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general.
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best?
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group?
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year?

1 No 10 Days is not to long. IOA and UO can be easily done in a day.
2 Yes you will want a rest day. Doesnt have to be pool, Disney Springs or City Walk, prefer DS over CW to me.
3 Early March to me if you can. Stay far away from Spring Break if you can. Agree about Feb, but it is nice to be cool in florida LOL
4 and 5 YES, Hard Rock or Portifino both are nice and better than most Disney (cheaper too!) If you want a Quasi on property that will give you some benefits to staying at Disney, Dont Forget SWAN and Dolphin!!! Not a true Disney experience hotel but very nice. Port Orleans if you want to save some money(kids might enjoy Yee Haw Bob). Yes its all Buses, but its calm and pretty. Might consider Wilderness Lodge if you like the looks can walk to Poly to catch the Monorail and Boat to MK is nice.
6 With Disneys track record of maintenance lately its a crap shoot. RoTR I am sure will have issues at HS. The best thing is to watch the weather forecast and try and plan accordingly as lots of rides get shutdown in the rain.

Thanks!

Early March sounds like a winner. I think I ll want 2 mostly rest days even if I end up at one of the parks later in the day to do a ride I missed or maybe something I want to experience again.

I would have considered Wilderness Lodge but I feel that it’s too close in theme to the Grand Californian which I’ve already experienced a few times.

 

[mickEblu]

Hi OP,
I can't advise on all your questions but,
1. As a UK traveller we have never done less than 14 nights in Florida and have never been bored. There is plenty to see and do so 10 days should be good.
4. I would probably recommend onsite as the convenience of going to and from the parks is a lot more flexible if the younguns need to take a break for part of the day.
Hope that helps somewhat and apologies for helping take your thread off the rails .

Thanks for the response!

 

[mickEblu]

You could pair WDW with Disney Cruise Line if you so desired.

Certainly not cheap to do so, but if you're not concerned about money and you want to add in some time in the Caribbean you might consider that. They have a fair number of 3-4 day itineraries sailing out of Port Canaveral on a regular basis.

Sounds expensive indeed! Although when you consider what you’re saving if you shave off 3-4 days of your WDW trip at a Deluxe resort it may not be that big of a difference when you consider most meals are included too. I just have to look into the logistics and see if tacking on a cruise or a little side trip to Miami is worth it or feasible with the kids and most importantly of all that it doesn’t defeat the purpose of trying to have a “relaxing” vacation. I’m starting to think 7-8 days at WDW may be enough with 2 down days. Then doing something else for 3 days whether it be a cruise, Miami or USO.

 

[mlayton144]

Sounds expensive indeed! Although when you consider what you’re saving if you shave off 3-4 days of your WDW trip at a Deluxe resort it may not be that big of a difference when you consider most meals are included too. I just have to look into the logistics and see if tacking on a cruise or a little side trip to Miami is worth it or feasible with the kids and most importantly of all that it doesn’t defeat the purpose of trying to have a “relaxing” vacation. I’m starting to think 7-8 days at WDW may be enough with 2 down days. Then doing something else for 3 days whether it be a cruise, Miami or USO.

Good plan , and fyi cruise is a great way to end the vacation. You can chill on ship and be entertained without any effort and of course castaway cay on the final day

 

[Figments Friend]

@mickEblu my friend, send me a PM with any questions about WDW and I will send you my personal advice.
Visiting WDW is VERY complicated....and I don't want you getting caught in the numerous 'traps' and spending on things you don't need to.
It is a extremely different experience when compared to what you are familiar with at Disneyland.

I can also advise on times to go, where to get discounted tickets, restaurant / attraction suggestions, and lil' tips.
Let me help you clear the air a bit.


-

 

[mickEblu]

@mickEblu my friend, send me a PM with any questions about WDW and I will send you my personal advice.
Visiting WDW is VERY complicated....and I don't want you getting caught in the numerous 'traps' and spending on things you don't need to.
It is a extremely different experience when compared to what you are familiar with at Disneyland.

I can also advise on times to go, where to get discounted tickets, restaurant / attraction suggestions, and lil' tips.
Let me help you clear the air a bit.


-

Thank you! Ill be PM'ing you. In fact, I was also going to ask some more questions on this thread, some of which may be a little premature since I haven't picked a hotel yet.

Any guidance on how to set this itinerary would appreciated. I'd prefer not to do any parks back to back (its not a deal breaker though) and I know im supposed to avoid MK on the weekends. Please let me know if there are certain days that make more sense for certain parks. So assuming I go to WDW from 2/27/23 to 3/8/23 Im thinking the itinerary would go something like this...

Monday 2/27- Check In/ Maybe Disney Springs or Hotel for dinner​

Tuesday 2/28 - DHS (if staying at Yacht/ Beach Club to stay close to hotel day after traveling) or MK if staying at Poly.​

Wednesday 3/1 - MK​

Thursday 3/2 - Down Day​

Friday 3/3 - Epcot​

Saturday 3/4 - AK​

Sunday 3/5 - Down Day​

Monday 3/6- Epcot or AK​

Tuesday 3/7- MK​

Wednesday 3/8 - Check Out​

​

​

1. Should I avoid MK and DHS on the weekends? What are the least busy parks on the weekends?
2. Do I have the right idea doing a down day on the weekend as opposed to spending the day at a busy park?
3. Any thoughts on the order of parks?
4. Im assuming I'll be park hopping twice I the late afternoon or evening. Either on a down day where we sleep in or on another park day if we get finished without starting park early.
5. Assuming I get 6 Day park hoppers, what should my starting park be for those 6 days? Based on some past discussions in this forum and what I know about the parks I know that I should spend 2 days at MK. Most likely one day at DHS although I could see me park hopping there on another day or perhaps on a down day to ride TOT again. I'm torn on if I should give Epcot or AK two days? Then 1 day to whichever park did not get the 2 days. If Im staying at Beach or Yacht club I could see myself doing 2 days at Epcot to enjoy the convenience of taking the skyliner there and just staying I the area. AK seems to appeal to me more than Epcot but I can see Epcot being a sleeper hit.
6. What are the Best way to get to and from hotel? Here my my thoughts... please let me know if im on the right track....

Beach/ Yacht Club to Epcot: Skyliner​

Beach/ Yacht Club to DHS: Skyliner​

Beach/ Yacht Club to AK: Minnie Van/ Bus​

Beach/ Yacht Club to MK: Monorail/ Minnie Van/ Bus​

​

Poly to Epcot: Monorail​

Poly to DHS: Monorail to Skyliner​

Poly to AK: Minnie Van/ Bus​

Poly to MK: Monorail/ Walk​

​

I know some of these might be a little time consuming but sound like a fun way to get to the park such as taking a monorail to the skyliner.​

​

7. Any advice on restaurants? Based mostly from my last time planning here are some places I want to try...​

​

Sci Fi Dine In and/or Prime Time 50's Cafe​

Biergarten​

Nomad Lounge/ Flame Tree BBQ​

Whispering Canyon​

Sanaa​

Ohana​

Don't remember really having a slam dunk sit down (or anywhere in general) I wanted to try at MK.​

What's good at Disney Springs? Homecomin and Morimitos are the two I remember sticking out to me.​

​

​

​

​

​

 

[mlayton144]

Thank you! Ill be PM'ing you. In fact, I was also going to ask some more questions on this thread, some of which may be a little premature since I haven't picked a hotel yet.

Any guidance on how to set this itinerary would appreciated. I'd prefer not to do any parks back to back (its not a deal breaker though) and I know im supposed to avoid MK on the weekends. Please let me know if there are certain days that make more sense for certain parks. So assuming I go to WDW from 2/27/23 to 3/8/23 Im thinking the itinerary would go something like this...

Monday 2/27- Check In/ Maybe Disney Springs or Hotel for dinner​

Tuesday 2/28 - DHS (if staying at Yacht/ Beach Club to stay close to hotel day after traveling) or MK if staying at Poly.​

Wednesday 3/1 - MK​

Thursday 3/2 - Down Day​

Friday 3/3 - Epcot​

Saturday 3/4 - AK​

Sunday 3/5 - Down Day​

Monday 3/6- Epcot or AK​

Tuesday 3/7- MK​

Wednesday 3/8 - Check Out​

​

​

1. Should I avoid MK and DHS on the weekends? What are the least busy parks on the weekends?
2. Do I have the right idea doing a down day on the weekend as opposed to spending the day at a busy park?
3. Any thoughts on the order of parks?
4. Im assuming I'll be park hopping twice I the late afternoon or evening. Either on a down day where we sleep in or on another park day if we get finished without starting park early.
5. Assuming I get 6 Day park hoppers, what should my starting park be for those 6 days? Based on some past discussions in this forum and what I know about the parks I know that I should spend 2 days at MK. Most likely one day at DHS although I could see me park hopping there on another day or perhaps on a down day to ride TOT again. I'm torn on if I should give Epcot or AK two days? Then 1 day to whichever park did not get the 2 days. If Im staying at Beach or Yacht club I could see myself doing 2 days at Epcot to enjoy the convenience of taking the skyliner there and just staying I the area. AK seems to appeal to me more than Epcot but I can see Epcot being a sleeper hit.
6. What are the Best way to get to and from hotel? Here my my thoughts... please let me know if im on the right track....

Beach/ Yacht Club to Epcot: Skyliner​

Beach/ Yacht Club to DHS: Skyliner​

Beach/ Yacht Club to AK: Minnie Van/ Bus​

Beach/ Yacht Club to MK: Monorail/ Minnie Van/ Bus​

​

Poly to Epcot: Monorail​

Poly to DHS: Monorail to Skyliner​

Poly to AK: Minnie Van/ Bus​

Poly to MK: Monorail/ Walk​

​

I know some of these might be a little time consuming but sound like a fun way to get to the park such as taking a monorail to the skyliner.​

​

7. Any advice on restaurants? Based mostly from my last time planning here are some places I want to try...​

​

Sci Fi Dine In and/or Prime Time 50's Cafe​

Biergarten​

Nomad Lounge/ Flame Tree BBQ​

Whispering Canyon​

Sanaa​

Ohana​

Don't remember really having a slam dunk sit down (or anywhere in general) I wanted to try at MK.​

What's good at Disney Springs? Homecomin and Morimitos are the two I remember sticking out to me.​

​

​

​

​

​

Days of the week used to matter more , with park reservations it’s really pretty irrelevant other than maybe for extended evening hours. It’s good you are spacing things out

The restaurant list looks pretty solid , of course depending on your tastes. I would def replace flame tree quick service with Satuuli Canteen. Since it’s also a rare trip to WDW maybe also consider Hoop Dee Doo over whispering canyon. The standout to us at DS is raglan road - excellent Irish pub with a large menu and entertainment, but can be loud. You will probably find you don’t have enough days to hit all of the restaurants that you may find appealing

Definitely ride skyliner for fun , but it won’t save you anytime from non skyliner resorts. yacht/beach - walking or boat are the best options. You can park hop to/from HS Epcot though as well using skyliner (check the map and you will see)

 

[mickEblu]

Days of the week used to matter more , with park reservations it’s really pretty irrelevant other than maybe for extended evening hours. It’s good you are spacing things out

The restaurant list looks pretty solid , of course depending on your tastes. I would def replace flame tree quick service with Satuuli Canteen. Since it’s also a rare trip to WDW maybe also consider Hoop Dee Doo over whispering canyon. The standout to us at DS is raglan road - excellent Irish pub with a large menu and entertainment, but can be loud. You will probably find you don’t have enough days to hit all of the restaurants that you may find appealing

Definitely ride skyliner for fun , but it won’t save you anytime from non skyliner resorts. yacht/beach - walking or boat are the best options. You can park hop to/from HS Epcot though as well using skyliner (check the map and you will see)

Thanks! I’ll probably mix it uo a bit when it comes to transpo to Epcot to DHS from Beach / Yacht club if I go that route. They all sound like a pleasant way to get to the parks.

Hoop Dee Doo sounds like it would be more memorable that Whispering Canyon. I don’t think it was open when I planned my last trip (that I didn’t go on).

Any commentary on how many days per park assuming I buy 6 day park hoppers? Pretty sure I need two days for MK. Should I do Epcot twice as my starting park or AK?

Here’s what I’m thinking as far as how I’ll be spending my 6 park days. In no particular order:

MK - full day
MK 2 - half to 2/3 day
Epcot 1 - Full Day
AK- Full Day
DHS - Full ish Day
Epcot or AK 2- half to 2/3 days

I figure on my half to 2/3 days or on my two “down days” I can always park hop late in the afternoon or night if I do choose. Specifically to DHS to hit some rides I want to repeat like TOT especially since it would be close if I stay at beach or yacht club. Or is park hopping not realistic/ not going to happen with the kids? Lol

Of my 8 days at WDW (6 park/ 2 down days) I would prefer to not wake up early for more than 3-4 of them. Maybe just once for every new park.

 

[Communicora]

7. Any advice on restaurants? Based mostly from my last time planning here are some places I want to try...Sci Fi Dine In and/or Prime Time 50's CafeBiergartenNomad Lounge/ Flame Tree BBQWhispering CanyonSanaaOhanaDon't remember really having a slam dunk sit down (or anywhere in general) I wanted to try at MK.What's good at Disney Springs? Homecomin and Morimitos are the two I remember sticking out to me.

Did you look at Skipper Canteen? I enjoyed that on my last WDW trip.

It can also be nice to get out of MK and have a late lunch/early dinner somewhere else. I haven't been, but people have had good things to say about Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary.

 

[mickEblu]

Did you look at Skipper Canteen? I enjoyed that on my last WDW trip.

It can also be nice to get out of MK and have a late lunch/early dinner somewhere else. I haven't been, but people have had good things to say about Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary.

Yeah I think as much as I’m planning I’ll be winging it just as much. As long as I have the park hoppers/ the option I should take advantage of it. Leaving the park for a nice dinner somewhere sounds nice.

I briefly thought of putting Steakhouse 71 on the list but being that I’ve been to Steakhouse 55 a few times and there’s nothing particularly memorable about the ambiance I left it off. Food looks really good though. If we didn’t have the kids I’d probably feel differently.

Skipper Canteen looks cool. Haven’t looked at the menu in a while but for whatever reason it didn’t make the cut last time I was planning. I’ll take another look especially because I’ll most likely be doing 2 MK days.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

Yeah I think as much as I’m planning I’ll be winging it just as much. As long as I have the park hoppers/ the option I should take advantage of it. Leaving the park for a nice dinner somewhere sounds nice.

I briefly thought of putting Steakhouse 71 on the list but being that I’ve been to Steakhouse 55 a few times and there’s nothing particularly memorable about the ambiance I left it off. Food looks really good though. If we didn’t have the kids I’d probably feel differently.

Skipper Canteen looks cool. Haven’t looked at the menu in a while but for whatever reason it didn’t make the cut last time I was planning. I’ll take another look especially because I’ll most likely be doing 2 MK days.

California grill is really nice and has an outdoor observation deck to watch the fireworks. I think going to the same park two days in a row might get boring. I would suggest switching it up.

​

Sci Fi Dine In and/or Prime Time 50's Cafe​

Biergarten​

Nomad Lounge/ Flame Tree BBQ​

Whispering Canyon​

Sanaa​

Ohana​

Don't remember really having a slam dunk sit down (or anywhere in general) I wanted to try at MK.​

What's good at Disney Springs? Homecomin and Morimitos are the two I remember sticking out to me.​

At MK Columbia Harbour house, Casey’s Corner and sleepy hollow are good quick service options. Skippers Canteen is good as well, and if you don’t mind spending more money Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest are unique with good food.

Monday 2/27- Check In/ Maybe Disney Springs or Hotel for dinner​

Tuesday 2/28 - DHS (if staying at Yacht/ Beach Club to stay close to hotel day after traveling) or MK if staying at Poly.​

Wednesday 3/1 - MK​

Thursday 3/2 - Down Day​

Friday 3/3 - Epcot​

Saturday 3/4 - AK​

Sunday 3/5 - Down Day​

Monday 3/6- Epcot or AK​

Tuesday 3/7- MK​

Wednesday 3/8 - Check Out​

​

MK is good to avoid on weekends, DHS isn’t necessary and DAK is usually good on weekends. Epcot depends on the festival going, if it’s the first week or so it may be crowded. Your list is pretty good, MK is open for EMH on Wed and Epcot is on Mon, so I would go to them those days.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Any commentary on how many days per park assuming I buy 6 day park hoppers? Pretty sure I need two days for MK. Should I do Epcot twice as my starting park or AK?

Here’s what I’m thinking as far as how I’ll be spending my 6 park days. In no particular order:

MK - full day
MK 2 - half to 2/3 day
Epcot 1 - Full Day
AK- Full Day
DHS - Full ish Day
Epcot or AK 2- half to 2/3 days

I figure on my half to 2/3 days or on my two “down days” I can always park hop late in the afternoon or night if I do choose. Specifically to DHS to hit some rides I want to repeat like TOT especially since it would be close if I stay at beach or yacht club. Or is park hopping not realistic/ not going to happen with the kids? Lol

Of my 8 days at WDW (6 park/ 2 down days) I would prefer to not wake up early for more than 3-4 of them. Maybe just once for every new park.

Looks about right. I would do two days starting at Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom simply because Epcot's walking area is much larger and you might want to split it up because of that.

Park hopping will probably be a pain with the kids.

Skipper Canteen is a good full service option for MK, but I also like Liberty Tree Tavern. Great colonial decor and the menu is all you can eat Thanksgiving.

I would wake up early at least once per park. After that is up to you, but keep in mind WDW parks get busier much faster than DLR's do.

 

[No Name]

Any thoughts on the order of parks

I like your order and I don’t think it matters a ton, just know that DHS will probably have the most unbearable lines regardless of what day you choose. Also went to DHS first on my last trip and by mid-morning every line was at least an hour long, and we really started to panic about how the rest of the week would be. But thankfully the other parks have a better mix of long and short lines.

What are the Best way to get to and from hotel?

For Beach/Yacht Club to Epcot, the closest Skyliner station is right next to the entrance so I don’t really see anything but walking being an option. I actually have walked from Beach Club to DHS and then taken the skyliner from there to Epcot, because I’m truly insane. (I was bored on a business trip.) Monorail from Beach Club to MK would be very fun.

A Minnie Van is often two or three times as expensive as an Uber or Lyft… the cars are cuter but I don’t know how you can justify the price.

Any advice on restaurants?​

At Prime Time the waiters like to reprimand people for putting their elbows on the table and are generally rough around the edges in a lighthearted way. You probably know that but just wanted to make sure you’re aware in case that isn’t your thing. I think it’s great and so is sci fi.

T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs are both fun for kids even if the food isn’t winning any awards.